SDSU's QB picture coming into focus

Just four practices into spring football season, two lead horses have emerged from the quarterback pack at San Diego State.

Senior transfer Ryan Katz and sophomore Adam Dingwell on Tuesday received by far more snaps in practice than the other two candidates. The same thing happened in SDSU’s previous practice on Friday, SDSU’s only other practice this spring in full pads.

“What they did on Friday warranted them continuing to get most of the reps today,” SDSU offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig said Tuesday.

The race is far from over. But the practice pattern appears to be set: Katz and Dingwell are being given a chance to separate themselves in the derby to replace departed four-year starter Ryan Lindley.

Freshman quarterback Chad Jeffries received occasional work with the full offense on Friday and Tuesday. The other quarterback in the derby -- junior Jake Bernards -- worked in drills and wasn’t part of the rotation with the full offense. A fifth QB, freshman Matt Morin, will redshirt this season, coaches said.

“I can’t say enough positives about what Jake is doing with his reps,” Ludwig said. “Chad is going to be a dang good player, and Matt Morin, did you see the arm on that guy?”

Katz and Dingwell still have an edge over those three for different reasons. Katz has more overall experience, having started 14 games in three years at Oregon State before transferring to SDSU in January. Dingwell is the team’s top returning QB, having outbattled Bernards for the backup job behind Lindley in 2011.

Both Katz and Dingwell have split reps almost equally in SDSU’s only two spring practices in pads. If that pattern is to change, one might need to slip.

There are 11 spring practices remaining. SDSU won’t name a starter until after practice resumes again in August.

Sloppy practice: The Aztecs practiced for about two hours Tuesday in chilly conditions – chilly for San Diego, that is. Head coach Rocky Long wasn’t pleased. He called it “sloppy” and said “collisions weren’t like they should be.”… Redshirt freshman Paul Rodriguez has moved from backup left tackle to first-team right tackle… Having returned from the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, two former SDSU players attended Tuesday's practice as spectators: running back Ronnie Hillman and punter Brian Stahovich.